Chapter 90 (1/2)

2:00 A.M

His eyes sprang open. Supporting his body with his arms, Chang sat up and leaned his back against the wall. He rubbed his temple to relieve the growing headache.

Jing was woken up by Chang's movement as he sat up.

”Chang, are you leaving for the handgun?”

”I am. It's critical for us since it's the only effective tool in defending against the gene-altered soldiers.” He dusted off the mud from his pants, then saw a slip of a note pinned under a table leg.

The note was so close to him that he could retrieve it by reaching out his arm. It was obvious that someone had purposefuly left it for him. He lifted the table and drew that piece of paper inked with a graceful script.

The content was a simple line ”The gang resides in the townhouses near our community”. There was a simplified line map drawing below the sentence. Its every stroke disclosed the details he needed.

Chang ripped the note twice and threw it in the garbage can. He said, ”I'll be back in a moment.”

”Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?” Jing queried.

”Don't worry, I'm not going to the jungle but a townhouse nearby. There aren't many dangers there that I can't handle. I'm just taking my handgun back, I've no plan on killing them.”

”But… don't you think your goal is too obvious to expose you?” Jing was baffled.

”I will make a robbery scene. Although I've never done this before, I can mimic what I saw on TV. Nothing you need to worry about.” Chang patted Jing on her back before he left the room.

Chang didn't leave for the townhouse right away, instead, he returned to the apartment where Jing and he first hid in. His crossbow was untouched and was still placed behind the sofa. Picking it up, he then removed his s.h.i.+rt and put on the silk vest. He found a long-sleeved black t-s.h.i.+rt in a forsaken wardrobe and wrapped his head with a navy scarf that left only his eyes exposed. The daggers were secured to his belt, and the crossbow was loaded. After double-checking everything, he was now fully prepared for his stealthy trespa.s.s.

Returning outside, Chang realized that one thing that never changed was the stridulation of insects. Their song used to accompany his innocent childhood, but the good old days were already gone. The same old song that the insects were performing would now become a paean for his imminent triumph.

Without having Jing around him, he was able to run at full speed. Upon nightfall, the darkness flooded the city, and Chang weaved through the overwhelming fog. He was very quick, his every step being the most energy efficient possible. The b.a.l.l.s of his feet always avoided debris and deadwood that might reduce his speed.

As if he was a born runner, sprinting had become as effortless and instinctive as breathing. Even though he didn't gain much strength, his feet pounded the street in such a natural way that was akin to a cheetah racing through verdant meadows. The improvement on a.n.a.lytic skills and perception had turned him into an astute runner. Both his endurance and speed were enhanced by efficiency.

Chang relished at the silent calculations in his mind. In less than two minutes, the area that had neatly organized townhouses was in front of him. He stopped as he had a feeling that his destination was close-by.

Tracing the map in his mind, he found the particular townhouse with ease. It stood out from the rest, which seemed lifeless in comparison.

Except for the inst.i.tute, none of the residential areas had electricity supply. Regardless of what kind of housing it was, a mansion or a hut, electricity was not provided to citizens.

Chang approached the townhouse with agility. Dirty shoes messily laid outside the door, and the stink of excretion that infected the air, affirmed him that this townhouse was his target.